To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.

When Things Go Wrong

1Blessed is the one who is considerate of the destitute;a

the LORD will deliver him when the times are evil.

2The LORD will protect him and keep him alive;

he will be blessed in the land;

and he will not be handed over to the desires of his enemies.

3The LORD will uphold him even on his sickbed;

you will transform his bed of illness into health.

4As for me, I said,

“LORD, be gracious to me!

Heal me, for I have sinned against you!”

5As for my enemies, with malice they said,

“When will he die and memory ofb his name perish?”

6The one who comes to visit me speaks lies;

in his heart he thinks slanderous things about me

and goes around spreading them.

7As for all who hate me,

they whisper together against me;

they desire to do me harm.

8They say, “Wickedness is entrenched in him.

Once he is brought low,

he will not rise again.”

9As for my best friend,

the one in whom I trusted,

the one who ate my bread,

even he has insultedc me!

10But you, LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up

so that I may pay them back!

11In this way I will know that you are pleased with me,

and that my enemies will not shout in triumph over me.

12As for me, you will maintain my just cause,

and you will cause me to stand in your presence forever.

13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,

from eternity to eternity.

Amen and amen!